patch-up

[ pach-uhp ]

noun

1. an act or instance of patching or repair.

adjective

1. done by patching or fixing:

   a quick patch-up job.

Word History and Origins

Origin of patch-up¹

First recorded in 1900–05; noun, adj. use of verb phrase patch up

Idioms and Phrases

Mend or repair, make whole. For example, He managed to patch up the lawn mower so it's running , or John cut his hand badly, but they patched him up in the emergency room , or Mike and Molly have patched up their differences . This term alludes to mending something by putting patches of material on it. [Second half of 1500s]

Example Sentences

The tactful Hamad manages to patch up relations, and the two are photographed sitting together on a sofa later that day.

From The Daily Beast

Mrs. Fullerton had herself suggested that Henriette should go over to Paris to see what could be done to patch up the quarrel.

From Project Gutenberg

No, no; when Cupid is bankrupt, there is no use in attempting to patch up his affairs by any composition with the creditors.

From Project Gutenberg

Hereupon all Europe became terrified, and England and Holland hastened to patch up their differences.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, maybe so, but I'm pooty old—pooty old for the doctors to patch up.

From Project Gutenberg

Critical ingenuity may no doubt patch up some sort of superficial reconciliation between them, but it can only be superficial.

From Project Gutenberg